DGFT issued Trade Notice No. 03/2025-2026 dated 23rd April 2025, inviting feedback from stakeholders on proposed amendments to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. These amendments pertain to the temporary export of Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET) items for the specific purpose of ‘Testing and Evaluation’. This initiative follows Para 1.07A of the FTP 2023, which emphasizes stakeholder consultation in policy formulation and updates.
The proposed changes affect Para 10.08(vi) of FTP 2023 and the related procedural guidelines in Para 10.13 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023. Currently, the policy allows temporary exports of SCOMET items for demonstration, display, tenders, and similar purposes. The new draft amendment seeks to expand these provisions to include exports for testing and evaluation abroad, enhancing flexibility for exporters and aligning procedures with industry requirements.
Relevant stakeholders, including exporters, export promotion councils, and industry experts, are encouraged to review the draft amendments (enclosed as an annexure in the notice) and submit their comments, suggestions, or objections within 10 days of the notice. Responses should be sent via email to scomet-dgft@gov.in. This consultation aims to ensure that the policy framework effectively supports export activities while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Trade Notice No. 03/2025-2026-DGFT| Dated:23rd April, 2025
To,
1. Industry and Relevant Stakeholders
2. Export Promotion Councils
Subject: Inputs on Amendments for Export of SCOMET Items for ‘Testing and Evaluation’ purposes — req.
Reference is drawn to Para 10.08(vi) of Foreign Trade Policy 2023 which outlines the policy for Temporary export of SCOMET items for demo/display/exhibition/tenders/ RFP/RFQ/NIT abroad or for return abroad after demo/ display/ exhibition/ tenders/ RFP/ RFQ/ NIT etc. in India and related procedures under Para 10.13 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023.
2. In line with Para 1.07A of FTP 2023, which provides for consultation with stakeholders during the formulation or amendment of Foreign Trade Policy, draft amendments to Para 10.08(vi) of FTP 2023 and subsequent changes in 10.13 of HBP 2023 have been formulated for enabling export of SCOMET items for ‘Testing and Evaluation’ purposes, and are enclosed as an Annexure to this Trade Notice. This Directorate invites views, suggestions, comments, and feedback from relevant stakeholders, including exporters, industry associations, and experts on the proposed amendments.
3. Stakeholders are requested to submit proposals, recommendations, or inputs to this Directorate for examination within 10 days from the issuance of this Trade Notice. Submissions may be made via email to scomet-dgft@gov.in.
4. This Trade Notice is issued with the approval of the competent authority in accordance with the provisions of Para 1.07A of FTP 2023.
(Md. Moin Afaque)
Joint DGFT
(Issued from F.No. 01/77/171/51/AM25/EC(S))
